How many can? Puts a good edge on

Works quite well for me. Years ago it took a little patience to groove the technique and resist using too much pressure, just take it nice, consistent and easy. Now it's second nature.

That's all i've ever used,fine mill bastard file from nickelson works for me.

One of the keys to a good filed edge is, use a new quality file. I've seen so many guys trying to sharpen a broadhead with a old dull file, that doesn't work, and files are cheep.

Bob

It's all about angle and pressure and how to use both. I can get them to shave hair on my arm and that's plenty good for me.

I used to be able to get a shaving any sharp edge on an axe with a file, but I’ve had limited success on broadheads… Probably being too ham-fisted!

A file is all I’ve used for many more years than I can remember. Easy and puts a good edge on.

Yep, I can.

Yepper. A nice relaxing thing to do with a coffee or beer while planning the next hunt.

I almost always start with a file, then hone to finnish.

Yes, but I rather use this on Eskimos.

Pretty easy to do. Trick is not to overdo it. The late Dean Torges wrote something on this in his Blog which I believe is still up. Also make sure the file is good as Bob pointed out. Mine is crap and need to replace.

I'll add something else. A filed edge regardless of the kind of file you use will have a microscopic serrated edge, if you want to get the most out of that edge, file from point to the rear of the head, instead of rear to point. that will point those serrations forward. To test what I'm saying. Test the edge by running it over your thumb nail lightly, first pushing it across the nail, then pulling the same edge across the nail. You will discover instantly which is sharper.

Bob

Works great on Snuffers and Woodsmen!

I have been doing my Grizzly's like Aromakr suggests, works Great!! I can't believe how easy it is too, thinking that it might be like awkward and clumsy but I place my arrow in an open vise just enough to keep my arrow from moving / rotating. I too like the roughness / burr of a file sharpened broad head. I 2nd that about new , quality files.

Silvrtip

I don't use a file anymore. After trying both ways for years I prefer the honed polished edges. At work I'm often around pipe insulators. They use a knife that resembles a boning knife, and always appear to be using Nicholson bastard mill files to sharpen them by laying the blade on the solid surface and giving each side a couple strokes before flipping it. I'm convinced that the file method is perfectly adequate for broadheads and knives.

I learned how to file sharpen things when I was a boy, from axes to saws., i to like a fine wire edge.,i start with an axe File then finish with a little points file,,. Not sure if you can get a points file these days. I test by running across a stretched rubber band or poke the point through a single page of newspaper and slice downwards, if it cuts clean without tearing it's sharp. Sandy

A file is all I use. I like that sharp but rough edge.

Sharpening broadheads with a file is kinda cathartic for me. I sit in my little work space at home, crack a beer and file away. Kids think I'm nuts, wife says my bald left forearm and shins make me look like I have the mange. Whatever. Makes me happy. New files work best. Gotta go REAL light towards the end. I finish with a steel, then strop cardboard, finally on my thigh wearing jeans. Wicked sharp.

File here. It’s all I’ve ever done. I can get my heads deadly sharp in minutes. I like the Simmonds brand files. Nicholson second. The kobalt files from Lowe’s are junk. If I’m hunting, I’m never very far from my file.

I think about it this way, how do I sharpen the things that I need to be scary sharp... carving, engraving, inletting, turning, chisels, knives, and gouges, plane blades, drawknives, skinning and butcher knives, or even pocket knives for that matter... certainly not just with a file... and I have some dang good files and know how to use them. Can I sharpen broadheads with just a file? Sure. Do I? Nope. Do they work that way? Yep.

I also use a file but and then hone the edge.

Its all I have ever used. Gets them scary sharp!

http://www.bowyersedge.com/broadhead.html

This worked for me. Dean Torges instructions. Can shave hair with my file sharpened broadheads.

I use a file also. That get's them shaving sharp. Then I finish with a butcher's steel for SCARY sharp.

I made a holder for stretched rubber bands to check for sharpness. With the file the edge will pop the rubber band at the very slightest touch, while after they get honed, then the rubber band pops as soon as the blade get's within sight of it! ;-)

I recently did some woodsman and once the angle was corrected they were very sharp 3 blades work well as they are easier to lay flat

I can get them shaving sharp with just a file.

Howard Hill and Fred Bear used just a small bastard mill file. I doubt anybody took more game than they did. - lbg

Never !!!! :( :( Me trying to sharpen a broadhead with a file is like a monkey washing a cat !!!!! Just can not figure it out !!!!

A single cut Nicholson mill file is all I use. It just takes a little practice. With the right pressure, the right angle, sharpening from the point to the rear of the broadhead, and a little patience. I can get my broadheads razor sharp.

I did floor covering work for over 20 years & kept my hawk bill lenolium knifes sharp with a file also axes hatchets machetes camp knifes etc. but for my finer knifes & broadheads I used different methods these days I use the razors edge polishing wheels & it takes wicked sharp to a new level forget about shaving worry about slicing yourself doing so especially with a single bevel. I know I go on about the wheels all the time but until you've experienced the sharpness ya just can't understand. ever sliced yourself picking up broken glass & think darn I barely touched it & it got me well that's the kinda sharpness possible with the wheels

Here ( left ) is one of my sharpening files I put a antler handle on. I carried this one for many years in my daypack. I gave it to member Grizbow.

I put an antler handle on another of my files for my knife/file/stone/ferro rod combo.

I can't sharpen anything except 3 blades with a file.

Lot of I can here. How about someone describing how to keep an angle?

Bowmania

Frank that file still works!! Lol though when i sharpen my 4 blade Eskimos, i use an accusharp and then file the bleeders or use a coarse diamond stone. But I always carry a file unless im close to home for touch up work.

Yes file but then touch up with Rada slightly and then either leather strop or cardboard works well as a final to take off burrs.

Now be careful don't just dig in and shave and go to town on the head so be careful you don't want to reduce a lot of metal just enough to get your edge.

You should have a weight scale also to see what the newly shaved head weights and readjust accordingly. That's a whole other thread to know how to compensate for sharpened heads off your desired weight preferences.

It really don't matter all that much really I found anyways but for those who split hairs in everything they do just mentioning it.

Id rather have a sharp head than have all the heads match up in weight the same I feel is far more important.

Mr. Burton, you mention filing from front to back, maybe a dumb ? but do you make the strokes with the file pointed towards the center of the head & work back, or towards the outside edge of the head? Hope that question makes sense. Thanks, TB

TB:

I always file to the edge. One of the keys of getting the edge really sharp is making sure the edge remains flat as possible, a rounded edge is not as sharp as a flat edge. Take both sides down until the slightest burr is formed over the entire length. The smaller the burr the sharper the edge will be. Then a couple of very light strokes with a diamond exe-lap and the edge is complete.

Bob

bowmania it's a talent I guess iv always had a knack for it a fillet knife would have the fattest edge & an ax or maybe a single bevel the steepest angle once you've determined the desired angle work one side of the blade until you have an even burr on the back side then repeat on the other side then back & forth with the slightest pressure trying to eliminate the burr completely a single bevel is slightly different you put the burr to the flat side then gently remove it & something heavy like an ax hatchet machete is probably best put in a vice & draw filled. as far as maintaining an angle it's just a hand eye thing once you've determined the angle ya want I personally find single bevel the easiest edge to sharpen

If any of you are familiar with draw filing, that to me is by far the best method. It's easier to keep the angle consistent and results in a better edge. Just be sure to use a single-cut file to get the best result.

On the right is an illustration of draw filing.

With a broadhead you'll only need to hold the file with one hand (the file is small and the work small...the other hand can be used to hold on to the arrow).

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here